Wednesday, June 12, 2013

WFUV Cleans Up, Again

Leave it to WFUV's very proud director of communications to suggest the above headline to describe the numerous awards the station's professional staff and student journalists took home this school year.

"We don't want to sound cocky, but we're particularly proud of the work our students do every year," said John Platt.

While the station frequently gets showered with awards, this year was a particularly fruitful, with more than 28 at last count.

Awards came in from the New York State Associated Press, New York State Broadcasters Association, New York Press Club, Alliance for Women in Media, Public Radio News Directors, and the Society of Professional Journalists.

The New York State Associated Press awarded best news story to Fordham College at Rose Hill junior Connor Ryan, who is also editor-in-chief at The Ram. The judges singled out his coverage of safety issues surrounding the New York City bike share program. The Society of Professional Journalists also singled out Ryan's coverage by awarding him first place for in-depth radio reporting.

The Gracie Awards magnified the station's overall awards landscape, which placed students award winners alongside their professional counterparts.

"What's particularly impressive is that they are not only getting student awards, but they're also getting awards as professionals," said George Bodarky, WFUV's news and public affairs director.

A feature segment by Kyle Kesses, FCRH '12, was one such example. Kesses's "Al Michaels: Seizing the Moment," brought professional notices from New York State Associated Press for best documentary and for sports coverage. The broadcast, about sportscaster Al Michael's coverage of the heart stopping defeat of the USSR by United States in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Games, also garnered recognition from the New York Press Club.

"George and Robin are tremendous mentors," said Ryan. "They give you the stories to do and the tools to do them, but it's their training that allows you to succeed."